MUMBAI: The UPA government has apparently earmarked a trillion dollars or Rs 52 lakhcrore for infrastructure and construction in the 12th Plan. Of this, Rs 7.5 lakhcrore will be channelised in the first year, increasing to Rs 17.5 lakhcrore by the end of the fifth year.

The Centre also plans to invest Rs 200 crore to set up a skill development centre for the construction industry and is willing to partner with industry bodies towards this end.

This information was given by M F Farooqui, secretary in the department of heavy industry, in Mumbai Wednesday. He was speaking at a conference organised by ICEMA (Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers' Association). The seminar titled 'Infrastructure Development -- Deliverables and Imperatives' was organised in association with CII.

The official said the Centre recognises the correlation between India's growth story and the construction industry''. In the 12th five-year Plan we are looking at a GDP growth rate of 8%, and the construction industry has to play a key role (in this). The industry is both the cause and effect of this growth. Investment spawns more jobs and furthers GDP growth, which again leads to more investment in the sector,'' he said.

The construction sector is believed to employ 30-35 million Indians directly and indirectly.